Art Gallery to shut one day a week

The West Australian

Wednesday, 12 August 2009 10:43AM

The Art Gallery of WA will be forced to close for one day a week as part of the Government's push to slash public service spending.

It is understood the measure will be announced in the State Budget on Thursday and is designed to cut staffing and security costs by shutting the venue, which now opens seven days a week, on either a Monday or Tuesday.

Shadow arts minister John Hyde said yesterday he had been told the changes would take effect by the end of June to meet the Government's demands for all departments to cut 3 per cent from their spending.

"The 3 per cent cuts are hitting core services," he said. "There can be no bigger core service (in arts)than having your State art gallery closed for one seventh of its operating time."

Mr Hyde said it would worsen safety problems in the cultural precinct in Northbridge.

"It puts a further nail in the coffin of Northbridge by having fewer eyes on the street," he said.

"Having people coming and going in the cultural centre is a major deterrent to criminal and antisocial behaviour. Not to have those eyes on the street for one day a week would impact severely on Northbridge."

Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi described the move as "sad".

"Without knowing all of the facts, it is sad that a capital city has to resort to such measures," she said.

"It is understandable at this time that prudence is required, however when we are trying to focus on improving the city it does cut across the notion of city vitality." She said the decision was not likely to have a detrimental effect on security in the area because the gallery was normally only open during the day.

Arts Minister John Day could not be contacted yesterday.

A spokeswoman for Treasurer Troy Buswell said he would not speculate on the details of the Budget.

The Art Gallery declined to comment.

The National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne is closed on Mondays, according to its website.